Arsene Wenger nutmegged by young Gunner Ainsley Maitland-Niles ahead of Europa League clash with Red Star Belgrade
Gunners boss was in a good mood despite the unfancied fixture on the horizon and admitted he could revisit Thomas Lemur deal
ARSENE WENGER was nutmegged by young Gunner Ainsley Maitland-Niles but the Arseal boss took it all in his wide stride.
The Frenchman was preparing to take another training session at London Colney ahead of his side’s Europa League clash with Red Star Belgrade on Thursday.
When a game of keep-uppy among some of his youngest charges broke down as Maitland-Niles hit a spinning volley that arced through his boss’ legs.
Luckily for the 20-year-old prospect, Le Professeur thought the trick shot was top of the class.
Ahead of the unfashionable game with the Serbian side, Wenger said: “My biggest experience and pleasure is how focused the whole squad is on each game.
“How focused and united they are.
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“I cannot say any player in any competition has gone easy. It’s always been exceptional.
“I feel the understanding in the squad, we’ve not bought in seven or eight players, they know each other, they’ve had positive and negative experiences.
GUNNER GO AGAIN Arsene Wenger refuses to rule out Thomas Lemar move in January
“I think there’s respect in the squad, an important ingredient.”
Wenger could be even more open to being megged in 2018 if he succeeds in landing Monaco trickster Thomas Lemar.
The Gunners boss thought he had a deal done for the young Frenchman on the last day of the summer window but it collapsed at the last knockings.
But he admits, if he can get a few out, he could return for the Ligue 1 sensation.
Wenger said: “At the moment I have a big squad and the problem for me is to keep everyone together until the end of the season. In January, I don't know yet.”
